COALITION RURALS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1932, Page 5

COALITION RURALS

WAIT ON MINISTER EXCHANGE AND OTHER MATTERS , Per Press Association — Copyright .) WELLINGTON, November 17. A deputation of thirty rural Coalitionists waited on Mr Forbes regarding exchange and other matters last night. It is understood that they suggested the increase of the ( rate of exchange op to 30 perj cent. " Mr Forbes; stated that the country menrherg had not held a pistol at the Government’ head over the exchange question, but had discussed the matter privately. Although the Prime Minister undertook to consider sympathetically all of the points raised by the deputation. Mr Forbes gave no promise with respect to any particular one of the alternatives advanced. The Prime Minister expressed it as his personal opinion that the matter of the exchange was one entirely for the banks. (Mr Forbes also intimated that he was, personally, opposed to the principle of the payment' of a bonus on production. Any suggestion that the country members had held a pistol at the head of the Government was denied by Mr Forbes this afternoon. They had expressed a desire to discuss the position he said, but they had made it clear that they did iiot wish to embarrass the Government, recognising that the Government had € nough worries already, said Mr Forbes.

He added that the conference wasot a friendly nature, and that the discussion concerning the alternatives put forward was a temperate one.

It is clear that this movement has tlSu its origin in the Reform Party section of th e Coalition.

The members who were prominently associated in the leadership of the movement were Messrr Campb e ll, 'Williams, McLeod and Clinkard, the two last-named being the speakers elected by the deputation. I A QUERY BY MR HOLLAND. RE POLICY OF GOVERNMENT. WELLINGTON, November 17. In the House this afternoon, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, asKou the Prime Minister if his attention had been drawn to the newspaper report regarding the deputation of members, and if he would state tl.ie policy of the Government in reference to the matter raised.

“The Leader of the Opposition has evidently regained confidence in the accuracy' 0 of newspaper reports,” replied the Prime Minister. ‘‘l suggest that he plac© his question on the order paper, go that I, too, may have the opportunity of reading the ; report|Laughfter). It is stated in certain quarters that the banks must (have the final s ay regarding exchange. There have been consultations on the matter with bank I representatives for weeks past. It is believed that certain. farmers consider high exchange in, Australia is giving special benefits to exporters and are anxious to have the sam e themselves. It is stated the Reform section of the Cabinet favours the demand. It is admitted the cost of living in New Zealand would increase as soon as exchange was raised. The New Zealand banks are opposed to any increase on the present exchange rate, which .is about ten per cent, against New Zealand.

ESTIMATES PASSED IN HOUSE

WELLINGTON, November 18. In the House of Representatives, the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Bill was the first time. 1 The following classes of estimates were passed :—Customs Department, £81,860; Land and Income Tax Department £64,565 ; Public Service Commissioner’s office £4,933; Electoral Department £5788; Scientific and Industrial Research £46,120: Public Trustee’s Office £245,035 ; State Advances 1 Department '£80,669 ; Unemployment Fund £87,930; Crown Law Office , £4,800 ; National Provident and Friendly Societies £90,356; Government Insurance Account £106,872 ; Pubßc ■Service Superannuation Fund Account £7,429; State Fire Insurance A- count £33,258; Government accident insurance account AP-0,695. 4 The House rose at midnight. N.Z. HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION. PROVISIONS OF BILL IN HOUSE. WELLINGTON, November 18 The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Bill introduced the House' of Representatives yesterday provides machinery for bringing about changes in the number of hospital districts, either by amalgamation or by the alteration of boundaries. Power is given for the appointment or a commission consisting of a Magistrate alone, or a Magistrate and two other persons, to make recommendations relative to the changes mentioned. Authority is conferred, on the Direc-tor-General of Health to require hospital boards, where necessary, to provide maternity services within their districts.

The Bill also seeks to overcome the difficulty at present experienced in the collection of hospital fees from patients who have been awarded special damages in accident cases.

WELLINGTON, November 18. In the Legislative Council yesterday the Local Authorities Sinking Funds Bill was reported from the Statutes Revision Committee v;. ut amendment, and Sir James Parr intimated that the measure would be put through •all stages to-morrow 4 The Hon. C. J. -Carrington gave notice of motoin to introduce the Contraceptives Bill, designed to prohibit the sale of contraceptives to persons under the age of 18, and to restrict the right to sell to registered chemists.